KUCHING: Explore more of Sarawak as this is the land known for its cultural diversity and ethnic or tribal groups, as well as its nature, adventures and festivals.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak has various cultures, adventures, nature, food and festivals that the people can experience for themselves.
“Our tagline ‘Sarawak – More to discover’ means you need to immerse yourselves with our plethora of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals (CANFF).
“Through cultural diversity, we encourage the delegates to embrace the ASEAN Identity in promoting mutual respect for the region’s history, culture, arts, customs and values, as well as promoting ASEAN cultural diversity to build intercultural understanding,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the gala dinner of the 23rd ASEAN Coci Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Culture (SCC) and the 11th ASEAN Plus Three Cultural Cooperation Network (APTCCN) Meeting, at Waterfront Hotel, here, last night.
According to him, the selection of Kuching as the place for the SCC and APTCCN Meeting was a thrilling thing, which gave a brief preview of gastronomy here with various dishes for the delegates.
“It follows the recognition of Kuching recently being included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the field of Gastronomy. This is proof of the diversity, the delicious food we have,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that he was also proud that Kuching had won one of the two coveted “Tourist City Awards” from the United Nations in August last year.
“Along with Xining in China, these two cities are the first in Asia to win this coveted award. You will be amazed at what we have to offer,” he said in his speech.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, through a text read by MOTAC secretary general Datuk Saraya Arbi, said a total of USD350,000 was approved for seven cultural projects during the 23rd SCC meeting.
“It includes the protection, conservation and preservation of cultural heritage, cultural promotion and the production of cultural exhibitions that are believed to contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the local community,” she said.
She also called on everyone to take this opportunity to explore Kuching, which is also known as ‘Cat City’.
“In addition to being declared a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kuching has also been awarded as an International Craft City by the World Crafts Council (WCC).
“So yes, we have good food, beautiful crafts and friendly cats in town,” stated Nancy.
She also expressed the hope that cooperation between the countries involved can be enhanced to further strengthen regional identity and cooperation in the field of culture.
